In celebration of the NFL Draft, we've asked the members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to share some of their thoughts and recollections from when they were drafted. Follow a Hall of Famer as he takes a trip down memory lane, and relive draft history.
Bobby Mitchell watched only one pro game while in college at Illinois and really had no interest in playing pro football.
"I loved track," commented Mitchell to www.profootballhof.com, "and (wanted) to stay amateur to run in the '60 Olympics."
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| Bobby Mitchell |
However, Hall of Fame coach Paul Brown had other ideas. Since Cleveland's long-time assistant Blanton Collier was coaching in the East-West Game, Brown arranged for Collier to bring Mitchell to the game. Brown then continued his plan of showcasing Mitchell's talents by asking former Browns' quarterback Otto Graham to invite Bobby to play in the Chicago All-Star Game. Graham had recently taken over the game and saw to it that Mitchell got some playing time.
By the time the NFL draft came around, the Browns were prepared to select Mitchell. Because, there were only 12 teams picking in 1958, Mitchell was still available when Cleveland took him in the seventh round.
Shortly after the draft, the Browns sent a $7,000 contract to Mitchell. He then ran into Cleveland quarterback Tommy O'Connell, an Illinois alumni, on campus.
"He asked me what I was offered," remembers Mitchell. "He said 'you don't want that, that's not enough.' Because I really had no interest in playing pro, I sent it back and said I want more money."
Well, the Browns replied with a $1,000 bonus. Mitchell accepted the money and made the decision to give the pro game a shot.
After noticing his first few paychecks had some money taken out of them, he went to Paul Brown to inquire about the missing funds.
In his own words, Mitchell was just a 'country boy', and quickly learned that the 'bonus' he received was simply an advancement on his salary!
While still uncertain whether the pro game was something he would continue with, Bobby performed well on the gridiron nonetheless.
"I got off to a good start," he commented.
No one can argue with his self-assessment. Mitchell had earned Rookie-of-the-Year honors and decided to continue with his pro career. In 11 seasons with the Browns and Redskins, Mitchell amassed 14,078 combined net yards. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
Hall of Famers Taken in the 1958 NFL Draft
Jim Taylor, FB
2nd Round (15th overall) by the Green Bay Packers
Ray Nitschke, LB
3rd Round (36th overall) by the Green Bay Packers
Bobby Mitchell, HB
7th round (84th overall) by the Cleveland Browns